As we approach our 40th anniversary, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on seasons past. Since YHEC began as a university department back in 1986, we’ve moved from an office in the Alcuin buildings to a spacious, two-storey office set up in the University of York Science Park, via premises in the IRISS buildings and Market Square. As we celebrate our history, we spoke to some of our long-standing staff to find out how the office space has changed since the early days of YHEC, starting with the Market Square building. As you read, we’d love to know – what’s one quintessential quirk of an office environment from the past that still makes you smile?
What was the Market Square office like?
YHEC operated from its Market Square premises between 2001 and 2014. The office was central on campus, at the heart of the University; a hive of activity, with students bustling about constantly during term time.
Remote working was the exception, and the team was much smaller, so nearly every desk was occupied every day. With the partial walls, built-in dividers and angled walls, the office felt modern and innovative. One staff member described how this ‘jungle’ of dividers made the space work well for semi-privacy, while others found it unconventional. Rather than video conferencing or email, business was conducted via telephone, so it was much noisier.
Staff also mentioned – with mixed emotions – the paperwork. Much of the work YHEC did was still paper based, including final reports, invoices, and financial records. Staff recall near daily trips to the bank in nearby Heslington to pay in cheques!
What changed with the move to Enterprise House?
The transition to our current home reflects just how much we’ve grown. Our current office introduced standing desks, ergonomic seating, and a much larger kitchen, with plenty of space to reflect the growing team. Staff recall how this felt new and exciting, and would’ve been hard to envisage at the Market Square offices.
We’ve embraced a culture that supports remote work, allowing our team to better balance their health and family needs. As flexible working became more common, hotdesking soon followed, with staff having the option (and the novelty!) of trying multiple desk set-ups. Several staff recall their initial apprehension around a completely new workspace, which soon changed to optimism and comfort as they settled into the modern, roomy offices at Enterprise House.
What do staff miss about the Market Square offices?
Staff fondly remember the ease of walks around the campus lakes at lunchtime, and the convenience of grabbing a snack at the Costcutter downstairs in Market Square. As the team was much smaller, the entire staff fit around the big lunch table, creating a really inclusive atmosphere that we’ve maintained even as the company has expanded.
Director of Reviews and Evidence Synthesis Rachael McCool recalled with nostalgia the physical pigeonholes in the kitchen of Market Square, and how her routine has changed from stopping off to collect the post to logging on and checking emails instead.
Market Square was also blessed with a fantastic boardroom: a glass-walled meeting room with nearly 360-degree views of campus. On the rare occasions when a presentation drifted into less-than-riveting territory, the famous campus ducks outside were always ready to steal the show.
Is there anything staff don’t miss?
As much as the team enjoyed reminiscing about the place that, for many, began their careers with YHEC, there are also aspects which aren’t remembered as fondly. Several staff shared their delight at leaving behind the rather unreliable hot water heater in the staff kitchen, while Project Director Will Green recalls looking forward to the air conditioning at Enterprise House. Another welcome change was the parking; with the majority of staff in the office full-time back then, many were pleased with the private car park at Enterprise House. Finally, nobody misses the seldom-used fire escape with its own ecosystem of spiders and flies.
Any final thoughts on the offices that YHEC has called home over the years?
There are always mixed feelings when a workplace changes, whether that’s new branding, renovations, or even a move to a completely new building. However, one key theme emerged from our conversations with staff: that we’ve always strived to find a balance between a calm working space while still promoting collaboration, something we’re pleased to say that we’ve achieved in each of our offices over the years.
Even now, a LEGO replica of the old Director’s office in Market Square serves as a small reminder that while the tools and technology may have changed, our friendly, fun, and open culture is here to stay.
